I was given a native Pacific coast iris at a plant swap. The gardener was not sure what variety it was. Here is a photo. I also have lots of hybrid Pacific coast iris for trade. There are photo's on my trade list. If you are interested, LMK. Karen

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Here is a link that might be useful: Karen's trade list

Hi Thane, I went to the PCI society web site and keyed this out. This iris is I. douglasiana. Karen

Hi, I did find a pot of Iris tenax in my pot jungle. Are you still looking for it? If you are interested in it LMK soon. Pacific coast iris can only be divided when they are actively growing. Karen

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Karen, yes! I would love some iris tenax. Those other irises look great too. I am emailing you directly. Thanks!

Flowerfan said:
Pacific coast iris can only be divided when they are actively growing.

Is this true? Why would these iris be different from other iris? I am not trying to be argumentative, just trying to understand.

PS I came to this post because I was looking for information on the watering needs of Iris tenax.

Do they need summer water in the Willamette Valley (Oregon)?
Nancy

Hi Nancy, yes the PCI are a little different from others. It goes dormant in the summer. If you divide them when they are dormant they die. Spring and fall when they are actively growing is the best time. You will see new white shoots on their roots. I usually divide mine late September or early October. The first year or 2 when you are getting a plant established it needs extra water. After that they are very drought tolerant. That is one of the reasons I started to grow them. I get tired of watering in our dry summers. Karen